Helmet NIV in Acute Respiratory Failure

Helmet NIV Versus Facemask NIV in Acute Respiratory Failure: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is a form of respiratory support that has been shown to prevent invasive mechanical ventilation and reduce mortality. This study will investigate the feasibility of performing a larger study examining whether a new modality of NIV, the helmet, is superior to the current face mask in reducing mortality in patients with sudden respiratory failure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1) patients who are admitted to the adult ICU
• 2) deemed to require NIV, as per the clinical team, for acute respiratory failure.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1) with impending cardiac arrest or need for intubation
• 2) Glasgow coma scale <9
• 3) tracheostomy or upper airway obstruction
• 4) elevated intracranial pressure
• 5) untreated pneumothorax
• 6) who refuse endotracheal intubation (do not intubate order documented)
• 7) facial trauma
• 8) are unable to wear the helmet or facemask
• 9) who use NIV chronically